Sean Barber: A Visionary Entrepreneur Elevating South African Talent Through Rockets’ Success
It’s been not one, but two phenomenal years of success for Sean Barber, founder and CEO of the celebrated Rockets brand. From the launch of Rockets Beach Club Umhlanga, to the stunning revamp of Rockets Bryanston and the ambitious debut of Rockets Media, Sean Barber has proven himself a transformative force in the world of South African hospitality and entertainment.
A Journey from Numbers to Nightlife
Sean’s story began with the hopes of becoming a professional sportsman. However, an unfortunate rugby injury at age 15 forced him to reconsider his dreams. Instead of giving up, Sean turned to accounting, ultimately qualifying as a chartered accountant—a career that took him to international cities like New York and London. But even as his professional star rose in the corporate world, Sean’s creative spirit yearned for more.
His move to Wimbledon Village in London sparked an interest in hospitality, and Sean soon realized his true calling was in creating vibrant, dynamic restaurant experiences. In 2007, despite having no formal training in hospitality, Sean launched his first Rockets establishment—a pioneering concept blending premium dining with buzzing nightlife.
What began as a single venture has now evolved into a multifaceted lifestyle brand, encompassing restaurants, clubs, rooftops, salons, record labels and more. At the heart of Sean’s vision is the brand’s motto, “It’s a lifestyle,” which underpins every aspect of Rockets. This guiding principle has driven the expansion of Rockets to 16 locations in 17 years, redefining South Africa’s restaurant and nightlife scene.
Rockets: A Brand of Excellence and Resilience
Rockets isn’t just a restaurant chain—it’s a lifestyle brand synonymous with excellence. Over the years, Rockets has been recognized with multiple prestigious awards, cementing its reputation as an industry leader:
- Best Restaurant in South Africa (2018)
- Best Bar in Africa, Middle East, and Asia (2018)
- Best Tapas (2019)
- Best Lifestyle Restaurant (2021, 2022, and 2024)
With these accolades, Rockets has set a new benchmark for quality in South Africa.
The last few years have been especially significant for Sean and the Rockets team. The opening of Rockets Beach Club Umhlanga, a glamorous beachside venue, has brought new energy to the Umhlanga strip, while the iconic Rockets Bryanston was recently revamped to maintain its status as the go-to destination in Johannesburg. Additionally, the launch of Rockets Media marks Sean’s ambitious expansion into the recording and music industry, tapping into the synergies between hospitality, entertainment, and lifestyle.
Despite external challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and internal restructuring, Sean’s resilience and dedication have been key to Rockets’ continued success. Drawing on his accounting background, Sean has masterfully balanced creativity with the operational discipline necessary to keep Rockets thriving.
Passion for Developing South African Talent
At the core of Sean Barber’s vision lies a deep passion for nurturing and elevating South African talent. Through the launch of Rockets Media, Sean is creating unprecedented opportunities for both emerging and established local artists to showcase their talents. Sean is committed to giving performers a platform that celebrates South African culture and artistry.
Believing wholeheartedly in the immense creative potential of the country, Sean has been instrumental in integrating live performances into Rockets venues, where musicians, DJs, and other entertainers can connect with audiences and build their profiles. Rockets Media is designed to amplify the voices of these artists, fostering an environment where creativity thrives and new talent emerges.
Sean has always been vocal about the depth of talent South Africa possesses and through Rockets, he is actively contributing to the growth of the local entertainment industry. His clubs are not just places to dine and socialize—they are incubators for creativity, where South African artists have a stage to tell their stories and showcase their unique voices.
Supporting South African Talent and the Future of Rockets
Sean’s journey is more than a personal success story—it’s a testament to the incredible opportunities that lie within South Africa. Through Rockets, he has created jobs, nurtured local talent, and elevated the South African dining and entertainment experience to global standards. Looking ahead, Sean is excited about Rockets Media and the launch of the Dance Afrika record label, which will explore more opportunities in music and entertainment, further strengthening Rockets’ position as a trendsetter.
As a committed family man, Sean values balancing his professional accomplishments with the meaningful moments shared with his children and wife. His personal motto, “Be the best you can be,” guides both his work ethic and personal life.
Recent Highlights and Industry Recognition
Sean’s influence as a thought leader in business is growing. Recently, he was a guest speaker at the GQ and Standard Bank SA Business Masterclass, where he engaged in a live Q&A with Molife Kumona, GQ’s Editor-in-Chief, discussing his business journey. His innovative approach to entrepreneurship was also highlighted with the of Rockets Man – the Rockets barber chain – at the prestigious GQ Grooming Masterclass. Sean continues to inspire budding entrepreneurs by sharing his experiences, challenges, and successes.
Five Fast Facts About Sean Barber:
1. Sean is a qualified chartered accountant.
2. He worked at Paramount Pictures in London, a job he describes as less glamorous than expected.
3. His desire for a creative career led him to pursue restaurateering, which he views as the ultimate creative industry.
4. Sean’s work ethic is unparalleled, often working 100+ hour weeks.
5. The name “Rockets” was inspired by an underground bar in Putney, London.
Sean Barber’s entrepreneurial journey has been nothing short of remarkable, transforming Rockets into one of South Africa’s most innovative and celebrated lifestyle brands. His focus on creativity, excellence, and giving back to the community make him a true visionary and a trailblazer for future generations of South African entrepreneurs.
For more information on Rockets: https://www.rocketslife.tv
Follow Rockets Bryanston Here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockets.life/
